The End of all Sidewalk/Slowlane Bashing

[Joe Cassandra]

I see a ton of posts on this Forum from people pointing and laughing at Slowlaners and Sidewalkers because they haven't "Seen the light."

I used to do this too...

When I lived in Charlotte, NC, I'd ride the train to my mind-numbing financial analyst job in the Hearst Tower.

I'd be reading 4 Hour Work Week or something and smirk at those "morons" around me who simply listened to music or were reading some fantasy fiction book.

"Pfft...You're wasting your time..." I'd say to myself. I'd even try and force my wife to read some of the books to help her 'see the light.'

Guess what?

I was making $0 in any sort of business, but there I was all high-and-mighty. This went on for 4 years. $0 in any sort of business, but still I thought I was "better" than thou.

Here's the harsh, brutal truth...and I'm telling you this to help you...but you won't like it:

Unless you work for yourself or have a business that's actually making decent money...you are absolutely NO DIFFERENT than any of these folks.
​

Sure, it feels great to think you're different than the 'un-enlightened.'

But...you're really not until you take action.
All these people you think are 'idiots' have BIG IDEAS for the next Facebook too. But, they don't take action on it.

If you're not taking action...you're the exact same.

---------------
Today, I don't give a $%&# which path my friends, family or neighbor follow: Sidewalk, Slowlane, Fastlane.

I listen and learn something from all three. Even the Sidewalkers.

Learn from these people...listen...and soon you'll stop spending all your time judging others and actually take action.

That's what happened to me.

KEY: Everyone doesn't want to start a business. Some people enjoy another person sweating over the 'past due' notice on the accounts payable. Just like some people enjoy taking out your trash.​

 

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[Dunkafelics]

You are absolutely right.

I am in the Slowlane right now and am in the process of starting to build my own business. I have made probably around $200-300 from a kindle book that I put out in 2014. That is the extent of the money I made online.

I am cruising through MTF for a third time on audio book right now and I could potentially see how the reader could develop a mindset that the "enlightened" are better than the Slowlane/Sidewalk type.

Just remember guys, these are the people that are going to be buying your products/services. Keep working hard to educate and help us all out!

 

[policebaton]

Absolutely. Maybe that's not something important to them in their lives, which is totally cool. In the end it's really about working towards something and being happy.

I spent a month in Colombia a couple years back. You would see people without running water, freezing houses (if you wanna call them that) in the mountains in need of food and struggling every day. But they were happy, and their families got together for some domino game every Sunday and enjoyed each other's company and were very close. Changed a lot of perspectives I had on this journey.

 

[Andy Black]

Unless you work for yourself or have a business that's actually making decent money...you are absolutely NO BETTER than any of these folks.​

Not sure how you meant this to come across. Personally, I try not to think of myself as better or worse than other people.

 

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[Joe Cassandra]

Not sure how you meant this to come across. Personally, I try not to think of myself as better or worse than other people.

Yep, you're right @AndyBlack. That wasn't the sentiment. I meant "different" not better. *EDITED*.

As I posted later in the OP, I don't think I'm better at all...in fact, I learn from many Sidewalkers and Slowlaners in my life.
----------
Here's my beef:

There's a new type of action-faking that goes on where people post about: "Oh my dumb Slowlane boss...oh my stupid sidewalking neighbors...Man, check out all these dopes buying worthless junk."

A 'holier than thou' attitude on many posts. Then, I'll click on that person's profile and read some of their recent posts. More often than not, I'll read something that can be summarized as: "I haven't started any business...not sure what to do yet...but I'm looking! Go entrepreneurship!"

Meaning, a lot of posters haven't started anything yet...

That was me. I used my snickering at those people on the train to *boost* myself up when, in actuality, I was no different than any of them. I had simply read a few more books.

When you wake up in the morning, your 'energy tank' immediately starts its drain. Mental energy also takes a toll. Don't spend mental energy pointing and laughing at those on the Slowlane/Sidewalk. Spend that time doing something. I wasted years and energy on this mindset.

This isn't a "Call X person out"...this is "Guys, doing this Slowlane/Sidewalking shaming is hurting not helping you, especially if you haven't started a business yet."​

 

[Andy Black]

Yep, you're right @AndyBlack. That wasn't the sentiment. I meant "different" not better. *EDITED*.

As I posted later in the OP, I don't think I'm better at all...in fact, I learn from many Sidewalkers and Slowlaners in my life.
----------
Here's my beef:

There's a new type of action-faking that goes on where people post about: "Oh my dumb Slowlane boss...oh my stupid sidewalking neighbors...Man, check out all these dopes buying worthless junk."

A 'holier than thou' attitude on many posts. Then, I'll click on that person's profile and read some of their recent posts. More often than not, I'll read something that can be summarized as: "I haven't started any business...not sure what to do yet...but I'm looking! Go entrepreneurship!"

Meaning, a lot of posters haven't started anything yet...

That was me. I used my snickering at those people on the train to *boost* myself up when, in actuality, I was no different than any of them. I had simply read a few more books.

When you wake up in the morning, your 'energy tank' immediately starts its drain. Mental energy also takes a toll. Don't spend mental energy pointing and laughing at those on the Slowlane/Sidewalk. Spend that time doing something. I wasted years and energy on this mindset.

This isn't a "Call X person out"...this is "Guys, doing this Slowlane/Sidewalking shaming is hurting not helping you, especially if you haven't started a business yet."​

Ok, got it.

It's that "build the biggest building in town", versus "knock down all the other buildings" thing.

 

[ZF Lee]

I see a ton of posts on this Forum from people pointing and laughing at Slowlaners and Sidewalkers because they haven't "Seen the light."

I used to do this too...

When I lived in Charlotte, NC, I'd ride the train to my mind-numbing financial analyst job in the Hearst Tower.

I'd be reading 4 Hour Work Week or something and smirk at those "morons" around me who simply listened to music or were reading some fantasy fiction book.

"Pfft...You're wasting your time..." I'd say to myself. I'd even try and force my wife to read some of the books to help her 'see the light.'

Guess what?

I was making $0 in any sort of business, but there I was all high-and-mighty. This went on for 4 years. $0 in any sort of business, but still I thought I was "better" than thou.

Here's the harsh, brutal truth...and I'm telling you this to help you...but you won't like it:

Unless you work for yourself or have a business that's actually making decent money...you are absolutely NO DIFFERENT than any of these folks.
​

Sure, it feels great to think you're different than the 'un-enlightened.'

But...you're really not until you take action.
All these people you think are 'idiots' have BIG IDEAS for the next Facebook too. But, they don't take action on it.

If you're not taking action...you're the exact same.

---------------
Today, I don't give a $%&# which path my friends, family or neighbor follow: Sidewalk, Slowlane, Fastlane.

I listen and learn something from all three. Even the Sidewalkers.

Learn from these people...listen...and soon you'll stop spending all your time judging others and actually take action.

That's what happened to me.

KEY: Everyone doesn't want to start a business. Some people enjoy another person sweating over the 'past due' notice on the accounts payable. Just like some people enjoy taking out your trash.​

Reps+!
I heard something around here along the line of,'A non-Fastlane thing is a 100 times better than a Fastlane idea'.
Must be @MJ DeMarco.

The last pointer is golden. That, is why we can hire employees, get cheap manufacturing in China, ask (broke?) bloggers to promote our goods. That is why we can enjoy a nice greasy burger at McDonalds, good cheap street food (for Asian countries like mine). That is why we can get lawyers and accountants to help explain and execute paperwork on stuff that we don't have time to learn or specialise.

The difference of expectations of people is another great capital, besides cash and sweat equity. If we settle their expectations as payment for their work, they will work for us, the real world imperfection of employees aside lol.

These days I don't give a F*ck too...and it's healthier.
There's a big reason why Bill Gates, Zuckerberg and Branson don't go around bashing and pulverising Slowlaners or Sidewalkers. But you see them saying something like,' Do what you love' or 'Make your work your passion.'

Unfortunately, there are situations in which we have to take the more hardcore stand of 'staying away from the masses', but I faced them later when I GOT STARTED, not before when my Fastlane was no better than an idea. But it's not that we should hate the people in the SCRIPT...it's the SCRIPT, the system that we should detest and work not to be ensnared by it.

EDIT: @Andy Black, since you are reading OP's thread, I strongly recommend this to be a notable. I was in this trap for the beginning of my Fastlane journey....and if people are still falling for it, they need to be saved.

 

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[scottmsul]

 

[MJ DeMarco]

I think the bashing doesn't really point to the general populous, but as a reaction to interaction with a SCRIPTED world.

We bash the boss when he says "Business is risky" or "That will never work -- this is life, get used to it."

We bash our friends when they aspire for Level 10 on some video game, when we aspire for leveling up in life.

We bash people when those same people complain day-after-day about life and yet, aren't interested in hearing about an escape. The last time they've read a book was the Bush administration.

We bash the media when they promote consumerism, celebrityism, and scriptisms -- because their viewers haven't realized they have no purpose in life, other than following around Kim Kardashian and praying for a Yankees world series win.

I try to keep my bashing limited to those who seek answers, but refuse to ponder the questions.

 

[Joe Cassandra]

Man this is so true

Everyone thinks they're the smartest person in the world...

I think the bashing doesn't really point to the general populous, but as a reaction to interaction with a SCRIPTED world.

We bash the boss when he says "Business is risky" or "That will never work -- this is life, get used to it."

We bash our friends when they aspire for Level 10 on some video game, when we aspire for leveling up in life.

We bash people when those same people complain day-after-day about life and yet, aren't interested in hearing about an escape. The last time they've read a book was the Bush administration.

We bash the media when the promote consumerism, celebrityism, and scriptisms -- because their viewers haven't realized they have no purpose in life, other than following around Kim Kardashian and praying for a Yankees world series win.

I try to keep my bashing limited to those who seek answers, but refuse to ponder the questions.

Agree to this. But, here's the thing...

I used to waste time (especially after the election) reading the FB comments after any 'Trump' news article came out. As you can imagine, arguments between random strangers will go into the 1,000's of comments.

Although I would, at times, learn interesting facts and tidbits (some that would even help my work), I made a pledge NOT to read comments anymore.

Why?

Not because I'm "close-minded" to other's opinions. Actually, it's because I would waste hours of the week letting my emotions get jackhammered by all these strangers I'll never meet.

I realized it was unhealthy and a time waste to spend the energy on this even if I got a kick out of some 'dumb' commenter getting their logic kicked in.

It's the same thing with bashing in Slowlaners/Sidewalkers

 

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[Christopher777]

For me it's very simple.

They WILL TRY to push you around. (How ironic). And by "they" means HUGE numbers of people. You are a tiny minority.

Couple that with the system itself and you seemingly HAVE NO CHANCE.

You are actually the underdog. (But paradoxically, the King. If you get what I mean.)

If you don't stand up for what you believe in, then you're just being a pussy.

The very fact that this is an incessant discussion is enough evidence for me that there is a LOT of bs going on out there.

It's more about you than them.

Be completely certain with your position or be content with being a joke.

 

[Sean Kaye]

This is where a healthy dose of "minding your own business" always comes in handy.

I'm focused on my race and how well I'm running it. Anyone else's race is a waste of my time.

 

[Andy Black]

This is where a healthy dose of "minding your own business" always comes in handy.

I'm focused on my race and how well I'm running it. Anyone else's race is a waste of my time.

Exactly.


@Vigilante ... where's that picture you posted on FB of Phelps winning?

 

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[AfterWind]

I think not everyone is suited for the fastlane. As MJ said multiple times in his book: Some are just happy with the slowlane (especially if they like their job).

The fastlane is not the only "right" choice

Don't forget that you might have to work with those people (as your customers or employees).

 

[sotomo]

I think not everyone is suited for the fastlane.

No, but I'm surprised how few people are interested in it. I don't know anyone, and haven't met anyone, interested in it, except the successful owners of businesses I've worked for. It's really disappointing because when I was young I was full of ambition and ideas and just assumed my friends would be too. They weren't. Guess some are luckier than others when it comes to people they meet.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SteveO]

Sometimes I like to tag silly songs to speak for me.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHlaIuhNj60


The good lines:
'Cause I work all week long
To keep strong till they're grown
And next Saturday then
We'll do it again

 

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[Mattie]

What if bashing is a bad habit? It's sort of like complaining. It's a downward spiral. They make believe world of Ego. I was watching the movie Fracture yesterday. One of the best lines was, "You're a Winner." The Prosecuting attorney lost because he had to choose between winning and putting the main character in prison for life or move up the fast lane in corporate. The main character got him, because he knew he was a winner. He had to win so bad, that he gave up the fast lane to save the woman's life. I think sometimes our Ego's can be an issue. Even if we're winners, there's always another winner who can bring you down no matter where you are at in life. How great or small, there's that one person who will fracture you.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paTvDw9ulZw

 

[Iammelissamoore]

You know what I honestly think eh - I think that, after having read TMF & Unscripted , a lot of people are often mind-blown to recognise the answer to building success is right there, as like the books were the awakening to many truths that society does not reveal as it is treated as one-big-hush-hush-secret-society; it's often shocking to a lot of people when they recognise that it is possible to live outside the box.

The real cross-over, as you have mentioned though, is taking the solid advice from the books and acting on it to make things happen.

 

[Evil_Jester]

Not sure how you meant this to come across. Personally, I try not to think of myself as better or worse than other people.

I always think that this is my world and everybody else is simply living in it ??? jk jk not a sociopath

 

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[lewj24]

I do this type of bashing all of the time. I understand I'm not any better than them. I don't do it to feel superior to normal people.

I do it to remind myself of what I don't want to end up like. I don't want to be a slowlaner or a sidewalker so I bash them because if I end up like them, then I'm bashing myself. Its a way of keeping me focused on where I want to be and where I don't want to be. Setting a higher standard for myself. Raising the bar.

Or am i just messed up in the head?

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Or am i just messed up in the head?

No, don't think so. I do the same thing. Your just psychologically positioning yourself to do the work, or face the known consequences of what surrounds you.

 

[Joe Cassandra]

I do this type of bashing all of the time. I understand I'm not any better than them. I don't do it to feel superior to normal people.

I do it to remind myself of what I don't want to end up like. I don't want to be a slowlaner or a sidewalker so I bash them because if I end up like them, then I'm bashing myself. Its a way of keeping me focused on where I want to be and where I don't want to be. Setting a higher standard for myself. Raising the bar.

Or am i just messed up in the head?

No, don't think so. I do the same thing. Your just psychologically positioning yourself to do the work, or face the known consequences of what surrounds you.

Maybe it's just me...I find 'negative motivation' to be more harmful than helpful.

Perhaps it's how some are brought up. If you grew up poor, you use that rough experience to motivate you forward. My wife worries enough for both of us, so I focus on where I want to go rather than where I DON'T want to go.

Many call it guru-hogwash, but I read/listen to my goals everyday. Each goal is focused on a future I'm creating rather than a future I'm avoiding. Positive thinking vs. negative thinking. Yes, a topic already shrouded in controversy.

I'm making it sound binary, but it's not obviously.

----------------------

Definitely an interesting turn from the OP, but I enjoy hearing others perceptions on the topic. I know you (MJ) focus a lot on Slowlaners/Sidewalkers in the book, and you're pretty rough on them. But, figured you used those points to illustrate exactly WHAT it means to be a SL/SW rather than from the perception of 'they're idiots.'

There is some seeds of truth in Sidwalkers that 'they're idiots' especially when you see 70% of pro athletes going bankrupt after retiring...but, I don't think the act of bashing them itself helps but hurts you.

 

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[Joe Cassandra]

I went to my sister's 'White Coat' ceremony yesterday as she's been accepted into vet school after 2 years straight of applying.

While sitting there listening to the 114 students futures being read off "After graduation, Alexa plans to get a job at a small clinic"...my initial gut reaction was:

"Geez, these kids are about to drop $150k - $200k in the next 4 years to go to school & take care of animals...slowlane city...?"

Then, I stopped and thought more about it.

First, catching myself in a negative, judgmental thought and looking for a positive angle...
Second, just because I don't love taking care of animals doesn't mean "Alexa" doesn't dream about saving tiny animals from cancer. Everyone has a place...and a dream.

Admittedly, I did clap extra for others (including my sister) who wrote: "After graduation, she hopes to open her own clinic." Still, at their ages, they're all still finding their way. 4 years of vet school sounds like incredible work. They don't expect anyone to hand their M.D. to them on a silver platter. They LOOK FORWARD to the hard work.

One of the Doctors at the college spoke for a few minutes...her #1 tip: "Celebrate your failures." Because out of your failures will come your greatest successes.​

Even here --- in what we call "Slowlane" churches i.e. schools --- Fastlane lessons still exist.

 

[Olimac21]

When I start judging others, I remember these two pics and let go. We are all fools in one way or another and I do not feel in a position of judging others decisions even if I am "better" than the rest, although I have to admit we have a tendency to judge and compare others.